Whatcom County to be hit by third storm this week, Coalition of Whatcom and Skagit letter carriers join nationwide strike, WWU Dean of Libraries arrested, Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA, Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA, Growing coalition opposes natural gas rollback, Boeing announces layoffs amid machinist strike, Washington, Oregon AGs urge FDA to lift restrictions on mifepristone
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County to be hit by third storm this week
A series of storms, known as atmospheric rivers, are expected to hit Whatcom County and Western Washington this week, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding.
Meteorologist Harrison Rademacher (RAD-uh-mah-ker) from the National Weather Service in Seattle said the wind and rain aren’t over yet. After a brief pause today, stronger storms are on the way tonight through Thursday, followed by another over the weekend. A Pineapple Express from the South Pacific is expected to bring the most rain on Saturday and parts of Sunday.
While widespread flooding is not forecast, localized flooding and rising river levels could occur, with rivers like the Nooksack set to rise but remain below flood stage.
STORY: Coalition of Whatcom and Skagit letter carriers join nationwide strike
Postal Service letter carriers held a rally in downtown Bellingham yesterday to demand a fair contract.
Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers rallied outside Bellingham City Hall and picketed at the Federal Building Post Office. The protest follows 500 days of working without a contract, with workers calling for better treatment and compensation. Kevin Ernest, President of NALC Branch 450, emphasized the need to end unfair labor practices and recognize the sacrifices made by letter carriers.
Branch 450 represents United States Postal Service workers in Bellingham and surrounding areas.
STORY: WWU Dean of Libraries arrested
This morning, Western Washington University announced that its Dean of Libraries, John Danneker, was arrested following an investigation into suspicious activity near Haggard Hall.
According to the release, Danneker faces charges of quote “communication with a minor for immoral purposes” unquote. He has been removed from his role and placed on administrative leave while the university and local law enforcement conduct an investigation.
The second individual involved, who reported the incident, is not affiliated with WWU.
STORY: Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA
The state Department of Agriculture issued a press release investigating a report of a potential northern giant hornet sighting near Port Orchard last Thursday.
While Agriculture officials have received the report, they emphasize that they cannot confirm the presence of the hornet until they obtain a physical specimen. In light of the possible sighting, Agriculture urges residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any further sightings. Residents can report their observations by visiting the WSDA’s website.
If the investigation does not yield any confirmed sightings, this would mark three consecutive years without reports of the northern giant hornet in Washington State.
STORY: Growing coalition opposes natural gas rollback
Initiative 2066 would repeal Washington state’s efforts to transition buildings away from natural gas. A growing and diverse coalition of groups is speaking out against the measure. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more.
INITIATIVE Audio
STORY: Boeing announces layoffs amid machinist strike
Boeing has announced plans to terminate around 17,000 positions. This decision comes amid a protracted strike by union machinists that has severely impacted production of the company’s best-selling aircraft.
In a memo to staff last Friday, new CEO Kelly Ortberg detailed that the layoffs will affect executives, managers, and employees as the strike enters its fourth week.
Negotiations between Boeing and the union have recently stalled, with both sides accusing each other of bad-faith bargaining, leading to competing complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
Boeing has announced significant delays in its production schedule, pushing the rollout of the much-anticipated 777X model to 2026.
The company also revealed plans to cease production of the cargo version of its 767 jet in 2027, once current orders are fulfilled.
Previously, Boeing had implemented rolling temporary furloughs (FUR-lowz) for some workers. Ortberg stated that these furloughs would be suspended in light of the impending layoffs.
Boeing has reportedly lost more than $25 billion since the start of 2019.
STORY: Washington, Oregon AGs urge FDA to lift restrictions on mifepristone
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with Oregon’s Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, is urging a federal judge to lift FDA restrictions on the medical abortion drug mifepristone.
The legal battle follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling overturning nationwide abortion rights, with anti-abortion activists now targeting abortion pills. The lawsuit, filed in February 2023 by eleven Democratic state attorneys general, aims to expand access to the drug, which is used in early abortions and for treating pregnancy complications. Ferguson argues that mifepristone is safer than many common medications and should not be limited to certain medical providers. A preliminary injunction in April 2023 ensured continued access to the drug while the case proceeds.
The push for summary judgment could resolve the case without a trial.
WX: Il pleut plus
We’re looking at more clouds and rain in the forecast today, with a smattering of light fog in the early morning. Calm southwestern winds are expected, alongside daytime highs dropping into the high 50s. Nighttime lows are projected in the upper 40s.
More rain and mild temperatures to come tomorrow, with a slight chance of thunderstorms at night.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thank you for listening.
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